Danube Cycle Path: Passau to Budapest

Quick Facts

Highlights

Flat, easy-going cycling along the River Danube

Schlöngener Loop and Hungarian Danube Bend

Cycle through Germany, Austria, Slovakia & Hungary

Wine tastings in the Wachau Valley

Baroque Old Town of Györ

Travel through four fascinating countries on this glorious cycling adventure. Following the delightfully scenic River Danube Cycle Path, you’ll discover a wealth of gems including historical attractions, cultural treasures and fine wines.

Starting out from the colourful Bavarian city of Passau, flat, easy going cycle paths lead you through to the famous Schlögener Loop, the charming city of Linz and mouth-watering sweet pastries of Vienna. From Vienna, rolling countryside brings cyclist to the enchanting Slovakian capital of Bratislava.

Continuing to roll with the bends of the Blue Danube, fairy-tale castles pepper the riverbanks as you pedal to Budapest, the city where Eastern meets Western Europe. Famed for its abundance of spa’s and steam rooms it’s the perfect pamper to end your Danube adventure.

DAY 1: Arrive Passau

If you have time to spare before picking up you hire bike (between 4-7pm), the historic Bavarian city is a delight to explore. The Old Town was created by Italian baroque masters in the 17th century and reveals soaring towers, picturesque palaces and promenades and romantic lanes. At the heart of the old town is the Cathedral of St Stephen, which boasts the world’s largest cathedral organ.

Passau has direct train connections to Salzburg, Munich (2.5h) and Vienna (3.5h), which are the most convenient airports.

Overnight: Passau

DAY 2: Passau to Schlögener Loop

Late arrivers can pick up their hire bike this morning. Then it’s off for today’s delightfully flat and traffic-free route along the scenic River Danube Cycle Path visiting several fascinating attractions, including a Trappist monastery at Engelhartszell, where cordials and liqueurs boast "special healing powers". Next up it's the Schlögener Loop, where the river makes a dramatic about-turn of 180 degrees.

Cycle: 44km

Overnight: Schlöngener

DAY 3: Schlögener Loop to Linz

You’ll leave the impressive Schlögener Loop behind and continue the easy-going route through the fertile and picturesque Eferdinger basin. The valley is wider here and you’ll pass numerous ferries and boats as they sail the Danube, while you go by pedal power. The destination is Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, where you can make the most of a summer’s evening with a stroll through the enchanting old town.

Cycle: 53km

Overnight: Linz

DAY 4: Linz to Grein

Today’s cycling heads along the Danube and though a breath-taking scenery of lush meadows. Cycle to Mauthausen to view a row of 17th century houses decorated with striking murals. Further along, the Celtic village of Mitterkirchen offers a fascinating insight into how people lived some 2,700 years ago. The final destination today is Grein, which is home to Austria's oldest city theatre and the magnificent Castle of Grein.

Cycle: 60km

Overnight: Grein

DAY 5: Grein to Melk

Today’s scenery is remarkable for its diversity. The narrow Strudengau valley gives way to a wider landscape from the attractive town of Persenbeug, and then to the Wachau valley, which is characterised by terraced vineyards and fruit orchards. At Melk you will revel in the sight of a gorgeous baroque Benedictine monastery.

Cycle: 51km

Overnight: Melk

DAY 6: Melk to Krems/Traismauer

More delights are in store today in the beautiful Wachau valley, where you will rarely be without the sight of a castle, palace or monastery. The route winds its way to Krems, with the chance to stop off at the pretty winery villages of Spitz, Weissenkirchen and Durnstein. If there’s a must-do on this tour it’s popping into one of the quaint taverns for a glass or two of the local wine and a warm Austrian welcome.

Cycle: 40km or 55km

Overnight: Krems/Traismauer

DAY 7: Krems/Traismauer to Vienna

You’ll take the train to Tulln, which is famous for its beautiful market gardens and Art Nouveau painter Egon Schiele, and then cycle through the fabulous Vienna Woods (Wiener Wald). As you cycle towards Vienna, the City of Music, it’s worth taking the time to visit the impressive monastery in Klosterneuburg.

Cycle: 39km

Overnight: Vienna

DAY 8: Vienna to Bad Deutsch Altenburg

Today’s theme is peace and relaxation, although you will still be cycling for a few hours! Not far from Vienna you’ll discover an off-the-beaten-track landscape and a Nature Reserve boasting a stunning and diverse collection of flora and fauna. This is you chance to revel in the wonderful peace and tranquility of the region. At the town of Bad Deutsch Altenburg, the Archaeological Park of Carnuntum awaits, offering a fascinating journey back to ancient Roman times.

Cycle: 45km

Overnight: Bad Deutsch Altenburg

DAY 9: Bad Deutsch Altenburg to Bratislava

Today takes you on a short but scenic train transfer after which you’ll cycle on to the city of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia and Europe’s youngest capital city. Located between the Danube plains, hills and vineyards, Bratislava enchants with its dreamy old quarter and walled castle.

Cycle: 32km

Overnight: Bratislava

DAY 10: Bratislava to Sziegetköz to Györ

The wild and untouched land and waterscape of the Szigetköz is an idyllic paradise for birds and fish. Cycling from Bratislava, you will relish the tranquility and the stunning scenery encompassing 500 tiny islands boasting numerous farming villages and a labyrinth of countless Danube creeks. A train journey takes you to Györ, with its beautiful Baroque-style old town.

Cycle: 45km

Overnight: Györ

DAY 11: Györ to Komarom

Did you know that the National Stud of Babolna is world famous for breeding truly magnificent Arabian horses? On a visit to the stud farm and museum, you’ll catch a glimpse of some of the secrets of the Hungarian horse breeding techniques. Today’s cycling takes you through lush, rolling hills on mainly quiet country road into the village of Komarom, which was much favoured by the renowned King Matthias.

Cycle: 35km or 45km

Overnight: Komarom

DAY 12: Komarom to Daunube Bend

The magical scenery and quaint villages accompany you on your cycle today, first along the banks of the Slovakian Danube and then via small, quiet roads. On your way to Esztergom – known as Hungarian Rome and the Town of Bishops and Kings – you’ll pass the impressive Roman fort of Kelemantia. Another highlight is the magnificent Hungarian Danube Bend located just past Esztergom. Acclaimed as one of the most beautiful sections of the Danube, the river here winds through the Visegrad mountains and then makes an abrupt turn south between Esztergom and Szentendre. In the Basilica of Esztergom you’ll find Hungary’s largest Catholic church and all kinds of attractions to explore.

Cycle: 58km

Overnight: Esztergom

DAY 13: Danube bend to Budapest

Amid the hilly landscape of Hungary, the River Danube divides into parts and gives form to the Szentendrei Sziget island. A short ferry trip brings you to the island where you can cycle through traditional Hungarian villages and settlements, including Szigetmonostor. A highlight town is Szentendre, which is famed for its numerous handicraft boutiques and the Open Air Museum of Skanzen. The final destination on your cycling tour is Budapest, where you’ll welcome the chance to experience the atmosphere and attractions of this wonderfully cosmopolitan capital. It’s a city where Eastern Europe meets Western and there is so much to see.

Cycle: 58km

Overnight: Budapest

DAY 14: Onward Travel

Depending on your onward travel plans, you may like to further explore Budapest or even spend an extra night or two relaxing in one of the spa's or visitng one of the many castle's of fortresses.

Additional Nights and Extensions

If you have the time, why not spend an extra night in Vienna or Budapest and enjoy exploring more of the cities’ hotspots? After all, no one wants their holiday to come to an end, do they?

Accommodation

Our Danube Cycle Path trip includes accommodation in standard en-suite double/twin rooms in typical Austrian Inns which are 3* standard. We carefully select them for their warmth of welcome and character.

Accommodation Location

Occasionally if a hotel is not available in the location specified you will be accommodated in a hotel of the same or better standard in the surrounding area. Each days distance is approximate as the distance will depend on the location of your hotel.

Single Rooms & Solo Cyclists

Single rooms are available although a supplement is payable.
This trip is available to solo cyclists and is perfect as the route is popular so there are plenty of people to chat with every day. There is a supplement as some costs aren’t shared.

Availability

This tour is available on a number of Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from April through to October.

If you're tour ends in Budapest July 26-28 2019, owing to the World Formula 1
Grand Prix, a supplement will be applicable. Supplement costs will
confirmed at the time of booking.

Please note that the Ice Hockey World Championship is on from 10 to 26 May in the Slovakian host city of Bratislava. This may cause the area to be more busy than usual and accommodations may have limited availability over this period.

When to go?

May to September are the busiest months, and in July and August the days are wonderfully long for exploring and making the most of the historic centres you will visit. The summer months generally do not become unbearably hot and temperatures are often pleasantly warm, especially for cycling. Do keep in mind that some days will be hotter than others and it is important to make sure to always carry plenty of water, avoid cycling at noon and wear sunscreen while cycling.

Grade, Terrain & Navigation

This cycle tour is graded easy to moderate. The Danube Cycle Path is a paved, well-marked
cycle route. However, you will be cycling on a mixture of cycle paths and roads,
so please be mindful of other road users at all times, especially on routes
shared with traffic. You will be supplied with detailed maps, route notes and
an information pack for your trip.

Baggage Transfer

Daily door to door baggage transfer is included in the price of
your trip. We ask you to keep your baggage to a maximum of 1 bag per
person (maximum weight 20kg).

Rental Bikes

21-gear
men's or women's bikes. Unisex electric bikes, children’s bikes and other
specialised equipment for children may be available upon request. All rental
bikes are equipped with a pannier (saddle bag) and a speedometer. Helmets are included as part
of the rental package but your own is likely to be a better fit.
If you’d like to hire a bike, please let us know your height and frame size you
currently ride.

If you would prefer to bring your own bicycle please ensure it is thoroughly serviced and is an appropriate bike for this trip.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Bike that you have suitable Travel Insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.

Getting to Passau / from Budapest

To Passau

Passau is located in Germany close to the Austrian border. It is easily accessible with direct train connections to four major airports. Linz (1h30) with Ryanair, Salzburg (2h45) with Ryanair & BA, Munich (2.5h) with Lufthansa, BA, Monarch & easyJet, and Vienna (3.5h) with easyJet, BA & Austrian Airlines.

Budapest Airport is served by a number of scheduled and low-cost airlines connecting through to most major international cities.

If you need to return to Passau this can be booked at an extra cost for you. This is a combination of bus travel to Vienna and train travel to Passau.

Included

13 nights in 3* hotels

13 Breakfasts

Daily luggage transport

Welcome drink on arrival in Passau

1 bottle of Wachau wine per room

Train Krems– Tulln & Mosonmagyarovar– Györ

Boat Szentendre-Budapest

Emergency phone contact with our local partners

Information pack, route notes & maps

Excluded

Dinners Drinks, snacks and lunches

Travel to Passau / From Budapest

Bike hire

Personal equipment

Travel insurance

Extras

Bike hire

Return travel from Budapest to Passau.

Single room supplement(s)

We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries.

How fit do I need to be?

This trip is graded easy as the route is almost entirely flat, with a big hill on the final day. Daily distances are on average between 40 and 60 km so you will need to have a basic level of fitness and we advise some training before the trip.

Which is the best airport to fly to?

Linz, Salzburg & Munich are the closest airports and all connect by train to Passau. Vienna is also an option.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this trip is extremely popular especially during peak season from July to August.

What personal equipment do I need?

You will need comfortable sports shoes, comfortable clothes for cycling, waterproof jacket and trousers, a helmet and a sunhat. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.

How do the baggage transfers work?

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask that you limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

What happens if I can’t cycle a stage?

Public transport and taxis are available, if you are need of support please ask the hotel reception staff for local travel advice. Otherwise, please do contact our local partners who will be more than happy to help.

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Is this tour for me?

With easy-going cycling, fascinating cultural and historic sites, as well as stunning scenery, the Danube cycle path is perfect for experienced cyclists, beginners, and active families looking for two weeks on two wheels! Cycling on mostly flat dedicated cycle ways, the latter half of the trip will give way to some hills. With plenty of opportunities to sample local dishes and admire centuries old towns, every pedal stroke is completed in your own time.

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